This Summer, Hands were delighted to sponsor the final year furniture design students from Rycotewood Furniture Centre - Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, to design a piece of furniture that could be used in a reception space, break out area, hotel lobby etc.

The Gordon Russell Design competition was organised in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, with student entries encouraged to use sustainable materials, locally sourced if possible and to be in the spirit of the design philosophy of Sir Gordon Russell.

In all, 12 final pieces were submitted from the students and made to a complete finished standard and the winner was Tom Pugh who designed an aesthetically beautiful and simple walnut armchair.

The competition judges included Deboragh Allen, Design Director of Artillery Architechture and Design, Peter Grant if Grant Thorp Interior Design and Ray Leigh, Retired Architect and Designer and Chairman of the Gordon Russell Trust and Museum.

Hands were delighted and proud to be sponsors of this worthy competition and wish to congratulate Tom on winning and all the best for the future!